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Early investment key to ending disadvantage
Increased spending on health and social support for parents over the first five years of a child's life would be the most cost-effective measures to end the cycle of disadvantage, a New Zealand report suggests. The researchers say mothers' mental Read more about Early investment key to ending disadvantage
New Zealand -
First fossil finds show shark species swam in NZ waters millions of years ago
Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand
Two extinct shark species related to Great Whites have been identified for the first time in New Zealand, from fossils estimated to date back to the Miocene Epoch around 20 to 5 million years ago. One tooth from Carcharodon hubbelli was found at Read more about First fossil finds show shark species swam in NZ waters millions of years ago
New ZealandMuseum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa|University of Otago -
How did the first building blocks of life survive the radiation of early Earth?
Nature Communications
Cell-like structures containing specific antioxidants that are resistant to radiation could have allowed some of the earliest building blocks of life on Earth to survive the harsh conditions. Early Earth is known to have had much higher gamma Read more about How did the first building blocks of life survive the radiation of early Earth?
InternationalZhejiang University, USA -
We could be using our existing forecasting tools to accidentally harm fewer marine animals
Nature Communications
Existing forecasting and marine management tools could be used to predict and prevent accidents with vulnerable marine animals caused by climate extremes, according to Australian and international researchers. When climate extremes disrupt marine Read more about We could be using our existing forecasting tools to accidentally harm fewer marine animals
Australia; International; QLDCSIRO -
Almost four out of five young Kiwis support smokefree generation policy
The ITC Youth and Young Adult Tobacco and Vaping Survey
New survey research shows young New Zealanders aged 16-29 strongly support the smokefree 2025 goal and the three key policies of limiting retail stores, nicotine reduction, and creating a smokefree generation. The authors say this fits in with Read more about Almost four out of five young Kiwis support smokefree generation policy
New Zealand; InternationalUniversity of Otago -
Post COVID elective surgery wait times longer than ever
Since the 2021-22 return to allowing elective surgeries in Australia, the 2022-23 period saw an increase of non-emergency surgeries by 18%, says the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), but many patients are still facing long wait times Read more about Post COVID elective surgery wait times longer than ever
AustraliaAustralian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) -
Genetically engineered stem cell treatment for Parkinson's restores movement in rats
Nature Communications
An international research team has genetically engineered stem cells to improve a potential treatment for Parkinson's, restoring movement in rats. Lead researcher Mark Denham, originally from Australia, says stem cells are a promising treatment for Read more about Genetically engineered stem cell treatment for Parkinson's restores movement in rats
Australia; InternationalDanish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience (DANDRITE), Denmark -
Promising results for a new bowel cancer treatment
Nature Medicine
A new tablet treatment called divarasib has shown it is very effective in treating a challenging type of bowel (colorectal) cancer associated with the KRAS G12C mutation. Research, published in Nature Medicine today, has shown remarkable results Read more about Promising results for a new bowel cancer treatment
Australia; VICPeter MacCallum Cancer Centre -
Longer training sessions less likely to cause injury to military recruits
BMC Sport, Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation
New Edith Cowan University (ECU) research has revealed that up to one in four military recruits would seek medical assistance for injury in one training period. Longer training sessions less likely to cause injury to military recruitsNew Edith Cowan Read more about Longer training sessions less likely to cause injury to military recruits
Australia; QLD; SA; WAEdith Cowan University|Flinders University|Queensland University of Technology (QUT) -
Sugar permeation discovered in plant aquaporins
Journal of Biological Chemistry
Aquaporins, which move water through membranes of plant cells, were not thought to be able to permeate sugar molecules, but University of Adelaide researchers have observed sucrose transport in plant aquaporins for the first time, challenging this Read more about Sugar permeation discovered in plant aquaporins
Australia; SAThe University of Adelaide -
Graphene oxide strengthens the case for smart concrete
Additive Manufacturing Letters
Engineers have added graphene oxide to cement mixture to make stronger 3D printed concrete that is easier to print, paving the way to create potential ‘smart’ walls that can monitor cracks. Engineers have added graphene oxide to cement mixture Read more about Graphene oxide strengthens the case for smart concrete
Australia; VICRMIT University|The University of Melbourne -
NEWS BRIEFING: Fossil fuel emissions reach record high - Global Carbon Budget
Earth System Science Data
Global emissions from fossil use are projected to hit a record high in 2023, rising 1. 1% according to the latest Global Carbon Budget. The report has found there is no sign of the rapid and deep decrease in total emissions that is needed to tackle Read more about NEWS BRIEFING: Fossil fuel emissions reach record high - Global Carbon Budget
Australia; New Zealand; Pacific; International; ACTCSIRO|The Australian National University|Australian Science Media Centre -
New implants linked to less infection and better recovery from orthopaedic surgery
Advanced Functional Materials
Superior knee and hip replacements are a step closer after Flinders University and Chinese researchers further test and develop a new orthopaedic implant coating which has the strong ability to ward off infection – as well as stimulate bone growth. Read more about New implants linked to less infection and better recovery from orthopaedic surgery
Australia; International; SAFlinders University|Shandong First Medical University -
Emerging challenges of AI and Automated Decision-Making in News and Media
A new report released by the ARC Centre of Excellence for Automated Decision-Making and Society, AI and Automated Decision-Making in News and Media describes the latest phase of media automation, driven by recent advances in artificial intelligence. Read more about Emerging challenges of AI and Automated Decision-Making in News and Media
Australia; QLDQueensland University of Technology (QUT)|ARC Centre of Excellence for Automated Decision-Making and Society -
Lower amount of certain microplastics on Auckland's coast could be due to plastic bag ban
Science of the Total Environment
Researchers analysed samples from coastal areas in Auckland, finding that microplastics are widespread. They found that in beach sediments and seawater, a kind of plastic often used in plastic bottles, food packaging, and polyester was the most Read more about Lower amount of certain microplastics on Auckland's coast could be due to plastic bag ban
New ZealandUniversity of Auckland|Eurofins Environment Testing Australia and New Zealand, Australia, Auckland Transport, Auckland -
How are WA's heavy drinkers using online alcohol delivery?
Drug and Alcohol Review
High-risk alcohol drinkers are using online delivery services to get drinks more often and are more frequently ordering same-day delivery to keep a session going, according to Australian researchers who say the convenience of online alcohol delivery Read more about How are WA's heavy drinkers using online alcohol delivery?
Australia; NSW; VIC; WADeakin University|National Drug Research Institute (NDRI)... -
Australia's magic mushrooms could help breed tomorrow's 'designer shrooms'
Current Biology
Australia's magic mushroom population contains greater genetic diversity than the world's commercially available shrooms, according to Australian researchers who say this diversity could be harnessed to breed 'designer shrooms' as a potential mental Read more about Australia's magic mushrooms could help breed tomorrow's 'designer shrooms'
Australia; International; QLDThe University of Queensland -
We should be measuring blood pressure at all life stages
JAMA Pediatrics
It might be worth monitoring blood pressure at all life stages including infancy, not just as adults, according to Aussie researchers. The team used data from a Finnish study which looked at blood pressure and other measurements of 534 participants Read more about We should be measuring blood pressure at all life stages
Australia; VIC; SA; TASBaker Heart and Diabetes Institute|Menzies Institute for Medical Research... -
Boys suck(ed)! Male mozzies may have once sucked blood too
Current Biology
Nowadays female mosquitos are only the ones that bite, but that may not have always been the case, according to international researchers. The team found the earliest known fossil mosquitoes – 30 million years older than the previously known Read more about Boys suck(ed)! Male mozzies may have once sucked blood too
InternationalChinese Academy of Sciences, China -
Deep brain stimulation could help treat traumatic brain injury
Nature Medicine
Deep brain stimulation could help restore brain function in patients who have experienced traumatic brain injury, according to a small study of five people. International researchers surgically implanted electrodes into specific areas of the Read more about Deep brain stimulation could help treat traumatic brain injury
InternationalWeill Cornell Medicine, USA -
The amount of screen time and the type of content can affect a kindergartener's mental health
JAMA Pediatrics
More screen time and more exposure to content not tailored for children is associated with mental health problems in kindergarten-aged children, according to international research. The team collected data on the amount and type of screen use for Read more about The amount of screen time and the type of content can affect a kindergartener's mental health
InternationalShanghai Jiao Tong University, China -
Lift-off! SpIRIT nanosatellite launches aboard a SpaceX rocket
The University of Melbourne and the Italian Space Agency have announced the successful launch of SpIRIT, a landmark nanosatellite mission supported by the Australian Space Agency. The University of Melbourne and the Italian Space Agency have Read more about Lift-off! SpIRIT nanosatellite launches aboard a SpaceX rocket
Australia; International; VICThe University of Melbourne|Australian Space Agency -
About 40% of the world's power generation is now renewable
83% of new power capacity created in 2022 was renewable, according to a report from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The report takes stock of the world's renewable energy resources, and Read more about About 40% of the world's power generation is now renewable
InternationalWorld Meteorological Organization (WMO)|International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) -
People may support climate action more strongly if they understand how their health is at risk
If people understand the message that climate change poses a threat to their health, they may be more likely to support action on climate change, according to a review of research both globally and in Australia on the understanding of the link Read more about People may support climate action more strongly if they understand how their health is at risk
InternationalGeorge Mason University, USA -
“Shared care” preferred by patients, cheaper, just as effective
eClinicalMedicine
A Peter Mac-led study has found sharing follow-up care between a GP and hospital-based specialists was preferred by bowel cancer patients, was cheaper for the healthcare system and was just as effective as standard hospital-based care. “Shared Read more about “Shared care” preferred by patients, cheaper, just as effective
Australia; VICPeter MacCallum Cancer Centre|The University of Melbourne... -
Australia making progress but more needs to be done to eliminate hepatitis C
Australia has made great progress towards hepatitis C elimination, but more work is needed for Australia to eliminate hepatitis C as a public health threat by 2030, Australia’s progress towards hepatitis C elimination: annual report 2023 by Burnet Read more about Australia making progress but more needs to be done to eliminate hepatitis C
Australia; VICBurnet Institute|Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney -
A specialised health service helped catch WA refugee children up with their COVID-19 vaccinations
Medical Journal of Australia
A specialist health service for refugees was able to turn vaccination rates around for their cohort of refugee children during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Australian research. The team looked at the vaccination rates among children eligible Read more about A specialised health service helped catch WA refugee children up with their COVID-19 vaccinations
Australia; WAThe University of Western Australia -
Abuse and falsehoods erode the public square of science, AusSMC/COSMOS survey finds
A survey of more than 100 scientists conducted by Cosmos and the Australian Science Media Centre (AusSMC) sought to learn how scientists in Australia and New Zealand were using social media a year after Elon Musk shifted the digital landscape Read more about Abuse and falsehoods erode the public square of science, AusSMC/COSMOS survey finds
Australia; New ZealandAustralian Science Media Centre|COSMOS Magazine -
The case of a persistent bully: from victim to perpetrator
Pastoral Care in Education
In a unique case study, UniSA researchers have explored the lived experiences of a self-identified persistent bully – a voice that is scarce in literature – to gain a deeper understanding of the factors that may contribute to this anti-social Read more about The case of a persistent bully: from victim to perpetrator
Australia; International; SAUniversity of South Australia -
Being overweight hampers body’s immune response to SARS-CoV-2
Clinical & Translational Immunology
University of Queensland-led research shows being overweight can impair the body’s antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 infection but not to the protection offered by vaccination. University of Queensland-led research shows being overweight can impair Read more about Being overweight hampers body’s immune response to SARS-CoV-2
Australia; International; NSW; VIC; QLDThe University of Queensland|Monash University|QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute... -
Two new lineages of coronavirus detected in NZ bats
New Zealand Journal of Ecology
New research has identified two new lineages of coronavirus in New Zealand native bats, with over 60% of long-tailed bats infected during the study period. Researchers say the new viruses are not at the highest risk of transferring into human Read more about Two new lineages of coronavirus detected in NZ bats
New ZealandUniversity of Otago|Department of Conservation|Université de La Réunion -
Multiple chemicals in engineered stone could be a silicosis risk, raising questions about alternatives
Respirology
Australian researchers have found that it may not just be the quartz, or silica, in engineered stone that is causing the lung disease silicosis, raising questions about the safety of alternative products. The researchers found that aluminium and Read more about Multiple chemicals in engineered stone could be a silicosis risk, raising questions about alternatives
Australia; SA; TASThe University of Adelaide|University of Tasmania -
Fewer First Nations children are developing hearing problems in Australia
The amount of First Nations children in Australia with an ear or hearing problem nearly halved from 2001 to 2018-19, according to a report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. The report looked at hearing problems in children aged Read more about Fewer First Nations children are developing hearing problems in Australia
AustraliaAustralian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) -
'Silent devastation' of drought set to increase globally under climate change
Droughts will become more frequent and more severe under climate change, according to a report launched at the UN Convention to Combat Desertification. The report outlines how different regions are already experiencing more numerous and intense Read more about 'Silent devastation' of drought set to increase globally under climate change
InternationalUN Convention to Combat Desertification -
Photonic chip that ‘fits together like Lego’ opens door to local industry
Nature Communications
A new semiconductor architecture developed at the University of Sydney Nano Institute that integrates traditional electronics with photonic, or light, components could have application in advanced radar, satellites, wireless networks and 6G Read more about Photonic chip that ‘fits together like Lego’ opens door to local industry
Australia; NSW; ACTThe University of Sydney|The Australian National University -
One-in-two pre-mixed alcohol products feature misleading nutrition claims
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health
New research shows that alcohol manufacturers are adding nutrition messages to their pre-mixed alcohol products to lure in consumers, a move that public health experts say should prompt regulators to take urgent action to restrict claims. The study, Read more about One-in-two pre-mixed alcohol products feature misleading nutrition claims
Australia; NSWGeorge Institute for Global Health|The University of New South Wales -
Dolphins can feel electric fields
Journal of Experimental Biology
Bottlenose dolphins have an acute sense of hearing and exceptional vision, but now international researchers have found that the mammals have an additional sense: they feel electric fields. The team trained two bottlenose dolphins to respond to Read more about Dolphins can feel electric fields
InternationalUniversity of Rostock, Germany -
A patch of protection against Zika virus
Molecular Therapy Nucleic Acids
A simple-to-apply, needle-free vaccine patch is being developed to protect people from the potentially deadly mosquito-borne Zika virus. A simple-to-apply, needle-free vaccine patch is being developed to protect people from the potentially deadly Read more about A patch of protection against Zika virus
Australia; Pacific; International; QLDThe University of Queensland -
Discovering hidden structure in networks like Twitter
PNAS Nexus
New findings could help explain how social media content appears in our feeds. Researchers at the University of Sydney have discovered new structural relationships in complex networks, such as X (formerly Twitter) and political blogs, that could Read more about Discovering hidden structure in networks like Twitter
Australia; NSWThe University of Sydney -
New perspective on limits of survival and liveability in extreme heat
Nature Communications
Record-breaking heatwaves have made headlines during 2023, raising questions about how humans will survive and function in a warming world. A new study challenges recommended thresholds for survivability in the heat, suggesting the outlook may be Read more about New perspective on limits of survival and liveability in extreme heat
Australia; VICThe University of Sydney|Arizona State University -
Rapid decarbonisation can steer Australia to net zero before 2050
Existing technologies will enable Australia to halve emissions by 2030 from 2020 levels, under a rapid decarbonisation scenario led by a renewable electricity sector. A new report by CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, shows existing Read more about Rapid decarbonisation can steer Australia to net zero before 2050
AustraliaCSIRO -
Hope for autoimmune skin disorder sufferers with new immunotherapy strategy
Science
New research has revealed new ways to remove immune cells that cause skin autoimmune diseases without affecting protective cells that fight infection and cancer. Hope for autoimmune skin disorder sufferers with new immunotherapy strategynew research Read more about Hope for autoimmune skin disorder sufferers with new immunotherapy strategy
Australia; International; VICThe Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity... -
Involuntary temporary employment could negatively affect women more than men
PLOS Global Public Health
Long-term involuntary temporary employment – having a temporary contract but wanting a permanent position – could have negative effects on women, but not so much men, according to Danish research. The team combined survey data with Read more about Involuntary temporary employment could negatively affect women more than men
InternationalVIVE–The Danish Center for Social Science Research, Denmark -
Depression and anxiety was higher for young people during the COVID-19 pandemic
JAMA Network Open
More than a third of young adults had anxiety or depression during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a survey of over 3 million US adults which found rates were much higher than in older people. The surveys taken between April 2020 and August 2022 Read more about Depression and anxiety was higher for young people during the COVID-19 pandemic
InternationalNorthwestern University, USA -
Dishing the dirt on human evolution: Why scientific techniques matter in archaeology
Nature Ecology & Evolution
Scientists should seek answers hidden in the dirt using proven and state-of-the-art archaeological science techniques to support new discoveries about human evolution following recent controversies at a cave site in Africa, says a group of Read more about Dishing the dirt on human evolution: Why scientific techniques matter in archaeology
International; SAFlinders University -
Identical twins test the health benefits of a vegan diet
JAMA Network Open
A healthy vegan diet can assist in lowering cholesterol, weight and insulin levels, according to an international study of identical twins. 22 pairs of identical twins were recruited, with one of each pair eating a healthy vegan diet and the other a Read more about Identical twins test the health benefits of a vegan diet
InternationalStanford University, USA -
"End of century" extreme heat and drought conditions in Europe could occur much earlier
Nature Communications
In Europe, heat and drought levels virtually impossible 20 years ago may reach 1-in-10 likelihoods as early as the 2030s, according to new modelling by international researchers. Typically, under a 'moderate' climate warming scenario, such extreme Read more about "End of century" extreme heat and drought conditions in Europe could occur much earlier
InternationalMax Planck Institute for Meteorology, Germany -
Brains of those with PTSD process sad and traumatic memories differently
Nature Neuroscience
The brains of people with PTSD process traumatic memories differently than sad, non-traumatic memories, according to international researchers. The team recruited 28 participants with PTSD, and scanned their brains with MRI machines while they Read more about Brains of those with PTSD process sad and traumatic memories differently
InternationalYale University School of Medicine, USA -
Making menstrual pads from succulents could improve access to sanitary products
Communications Engineering
A drought-tolerant succulent plant could be used to make menstrual pads, according to international researchers who believe it could be a useful alternative in semi-arid, low and middle-income countries where sanitary products can be hard to come by. Read more about Making menstrual pads from succulents could improve access to sanitary products
InternationalStanford University, USA -
Emergency Department overcrowding isn’t caused by unnecessary visits
New Zealand Medical Journal
Patients who should have gone elsewhere aren’t to blame for overcrowding in Emergency Departments, according to a Viewpoint article in the New Zealand Medical Journal. Instead, there appears to have been an increase in the proportion of more Read more about Emergency Department overcrowding isn’t caused by unnecessary visits
New Zealand